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COVID-19's Impact on Medical Waste Management

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Mandatory Usage

All governments affected by COVID-19 demand their citizens to abide their rules because they see that this is the only way to contain the spread and monitor the people’s activities. One of their rules is always to use face masks upon going out in the public and encourages all open establishments to disinfect.

After serving their purpose, these materials will end mostly in the garbage bins, and who knows how contaminated they are. Each day, thousands of tons of medical waste globally are being accumulated, especially on those countries with thousands of deaths recorded. Handling them might be a greater task compared to producing another batch of medical materials to be used.

Environmental Pollution

It goes without saying that mismanagement of both medical and domestic waste can greatly contribute to increased environmental pollution. Because of this, countries with massive increase of waste are required to put in place proper waste management system to curb the spread of the disease and protect the environment.

Lack of Personnel

When people are being restricted in their homes, the residential wastes will certainly go up high. That means most of the workforce in the garbage collecting aspect have their hands full.

The more people are going out in public and getting infected, the more difficult and riskier it is for the garbage collectors. Reduced manpower means that there will be vulnerabilities in the waste management systems.

Scarcity of Resources

With people mandated to use medical materials and protective equipment, a shortage can be seen, if not being prepared. After all, this is the only time in the modern age that the use of medical materials is very much in demand daily. Mismanagement can lead to scarcity of resources and the usual effectiveness of the medical materials can be expected to decline, hence prone to infection.

Conclusion

COVID-19 affects all aspects of life and there is a rising battle in medical waste disposal. The issues will not be resolved until a legit cure is found, and so for the meantime, it will be better to utilize the medical materials wisely and ponder on the choices made. Countries should also make effort to ensure sustainable waste management chains to help reduce environmental impacts.